Ford: "I'm That Guy"

Ahmard Vital

05/12/2008

After thinking about it and talking it over with his father, Abilene Cooper defensive back Will Ford decided that Norman, Oklahoma was where he wanted to play college football. Now with that big decision behind him, Ford reflects back on the events that led up to the verbal commitment. Scout.com has the report…

When Abilene Cooper defensive back Will Ford looks back on his decision to commit to Oklahoma, he looks back on it as a promising move. Now with that behind him and his recruiting process to a close, Ford reflects on the things that convinced him that the Sooner program is where he wants to be.

"I committed because I love the coaches and players. I wanted to be part of nationally winning football program," Ford said. "I love it out there. When I got back, I talked with my dad about it and decided it was a good place to go."

The 6-foot, 190-pound Ford also talked about things going on around the campus. The city of Norman was also a main attraction for him.

"Everybody there is down for the Sooners," Ford said. "Everybody knows everybody and that's cool. They are all pulling for the Sooners. I mean what more could you ask for, a sold out crowd of 85,000 people every week. I wanted to be a part of that."

According to Ford, coach Cale Gundy is whom he stays in contact with the most. But, he feels a strong connection with coach Bob Stoops and, in the future, looks to really connect with the Sooner coach.

"He (Stoops) is a really good coach. He could be looked at like a second father to me and all of the team," Ford said.

Ford said the coaches plan to continue playing him at the safety position. He said the coaches look to take quite a few at the position due to graduation. But that did not factor into the decision.

It seemed like it was inevitable.

"I knew they were looking to take 3-4 safeties, but I was probably going to commit anyway," Ford said. "I have a feeling that I know I will be able to play, early."

That may not have sealed the deal, but it definitely had a good sound to it for Ford.

"They told me that I'll play early because they lost some safeties to graduation," Ford said. "I was told that they need big-time safeties to fill those spots. I'm that guy. It (the statement) made me feel like I want to be a part of the program that much more."

As a junior, Ford averaged 15 tackles a game and had eight tackles for loss.